could I get some advice on how to ask for help?
I typed this up once already but got a pop up that said I sounded like I was in crisis and wouldn't let me post so. yeah I don't have the energy to retype the whole thing so I'm just gonna say it's gotten really really bad for me again, like the worst it's been in years, and I really know that something bads gonna happen if I don't ask for help but I'm terrified of doing that snd don't know what to expect/if I'll be able to get better. does anybody have advice for seeking professional help on your own?
@itsrory first I'm sorry about losing your first attempt at posting, I know how frustrating it can be and just not having the energy to retype everything that was lost...but I'm happy that you still created a new post to ask the question :)
As for how to reach out...I know it can be a scary thing. It's normal to be afraid or hesitant of the unknown...but, one thing you do know is how you feel now and what might happen if you don't reach out. That's something you can know, and something you recognize as not being a good thing. So, in a way, that alone is a pretty good reason to try reaching out. You're worried about if you'll get better by reaching out, but...will you get better without reaching out? It's possible, but I feel like having at least some support could only be helpful.
It really all depends on what you're comfortable with, combine with pushing your boundaries a little in ways you think would help. This might be, opening up to someone important to you, but only sharing as much as you want to. Sometimes having someone you trust help out in the journey of professional help can make it feel easier. But of course, some choose to jump right into the professional side if they're not ready to open up to the people close to them, and that's okay too :)
You could always start with your general/ family doctor, a walk in clinic, anything like that who may be able to give you to a referral. Otherwise, you might be able to search online for therapists or counsellors near you, they sometimes have free consultation sessions so you can get a feel for how it is without a big commitment. Therapy in general should be really focused on you, you should set the pace, the topics, etc...so what to expect mostly comes from what youd like out of it :) counsellors I've had before generally followed CBT, which involves some "homework" and keeping track of thoughts, but everyone is different.
However you choose to do it...what matters most is doing what feels best for you :) There are people out there who want to support you, who want to help get you through this tough time. It's scary but you certainly don't have to be alone :)
